The Palace of Westminster has welcomed six new employees with Down’s syndrome as part of an innovative programme. Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle hailed their employment as a significant and overdue step. With less than 5% of people with learning disabilities in paid work, the WorkFit programme by the Down’s Syndrome Association aims to increase this rate, supporting around 1,200 individuals.

The new staff, working in roles like catering and service delivery, are part of a push to provide meaningful employment opportunities. Among them, James Hamilton expressed pride in his first paid job, highlighting the value of earning a wage for his work. Amy, another new hire, enjoys her catering role and the community it brings.

The initiative has been praised for its immediate positive impact in Parliament, with Sir Lindsay Hoyle emphasising the talent and contribution of these individuals. The WorkFit programme boasts a 92% job retention rate, offering a range of employment opportunities without the need for job coaches, thanks to a supportive "buddy" system.

Carol Boys, CEO of the Down’s Syndrome Association, underscored the importance of work in enhancing the lives of people with Down’s syndrome, noting the programme’s success in helping individuals secure and maintain employment.